Landmark US housing legislation becomes law despite Trump protest - BBC News

The president had wanted voter ID legislation passed before the housing law, which aims to reduce costs and increase supply.

Image source, Getty ImagesByMadeline HalpertPublished10 July 2026Updated 1 hour agoPresident Donald Trump allowed landmark housing legislation to become law overnight on Friday without his signature.

He had earlier refused to sign it in protest over Congress's failure to pass voter ID legislation but did not veto the housing bill.

Experts have said the legislation marks the most comprehensive action from Congress on lowering house costs for renters and homebuyers in the 21st Century. Americans have been frustrated with housing costs.

Trump, who has repeatedly made false claims of widespread fraud altering the results of US elections, wanted Republicans to prioritise the voter ID bill ahead of the November midterm elections. Without his veto, it became law automatically.

In June, both chambers of Congress approved the housing bill - called the 21st Century Road to Housing Act - in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.